Mr Fonmanu said the issue persists despite talks with taxi owners and the Nadi Taxi Association.

Fiji Taxi Association acting general secretary Mohammed Shameem said early this week they were trying to address the issue because genuine drivers who are called in to pick passengers were usually turned away. Mr Fonmanu clarified that Denarau Tours were approved transport providers on the island and that West Bus company was approved to operate out of Denarau.

"Only hotels that pre-book their taxis have to inform us beforehand so that our security officers are advised," he said.

He said taxidrivers who entered the island in search of passengers posed a security threat to them and added to traffic congestion.